Kobbie Mainoo sends two clear messages to Gareth Southgate after England vs Slovenia, it’s surprising

Kobbie Mainoo has sent two clear messages to England manager Gareth Southgate after England’s 0-0 draw against Slovenia.

Mainoo, 19, started on the bench once again for England after Gareth Southgate decided to bring Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher into the midfield for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

After a dreadful first-half performance, the Three Lions boss was forced to make a change in midfield at the interval, with Mainoo coming onto the pitch for the second half.

While England were unable to take the three points, the United midfielder was the best player on the pitch along with second-half substitute Cole Palmer.

It is clear that Southgate now has some big decisions to make ahead of the knockout rounds, with England still looking far from perfect.

Kobbie Mainoo sends Southgate messages

Mainoo spoke to ITV after the game and suggested that both he and Palmer are ready to start games at Euro 2024.

“Yeah, me and Cole [Palmer] are ready. We’re ready for whenever we’re called upon like the rest of the lads are,” he said.

“We train hard, and in the games, when we get our chances, we try and impress so we can start and help the team as much as possible.

“I love football, I love playing. Anyone who’s on the bench wants to come on the pitch.

“Everyone knows he [Palmer] is electric, and you’ve seen in the Premier League what he can do. He’s continuing that and I’m sure he will in the next rounds as well.

“One of the best in training, he’s always trying to score goals and get better, like the rest of the lads. That’s what we need.”

Surprising again

Mainoo is usually surprising us with his talent on the pitch, but he’s beginning to do so off the field as well.

After another drab performance, with the media and fanbase far from pleased, it was the youngest player in the squad who was one of the few to face the media.

Kieran Trippier and captain Harry Kane were the other two, but Mainoo stepped in front of the cameras and spoke incredibly well once again despite the toxicity surrounding the England team right now.

It matches his performances on the pitch. He’s never looking to hide, and it seems clear that Southgate must start him in their round-of-16 clash.